Trail summary
Hike overview
The Goat Hills Zig Zag Hike is an 8km, grade 3 hike in N.R. Pierce Reserve, Tasmania, typically taking around 3 hours to complete.
Begin by ascending the switchbacks of the ZigZag Fire Trail, which connects to Dooley's Trail and leads to the summit of Goat Hill North at 673 meters. From the summit, enjoy unique views encompassing kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart CBD, and the surrounding area, including Collinsvale. After reaching the summit, retrace your steps briefly and turn left to continue along the Zig Zag Fire Trail to the junction with Montrose and Goat Fire Trails. Follow Montrose Trail, gradually ascending to East West Trail. Turning right here will bring you back to Zig Zag Fire Trail, allowing you to descend to the trailhead at Collinsvale Road.
Along the hike, keep an eye out for wedge-tailed eagles soaring above, as well as devil and quoll footprints in the sand. Large tree hollows along the way may house masked owls.
This trail also offers the possibility of connecting to Wellington Park, with further hiking and riding options extending to Mount Hull and as far as Crabtree in the Huon Valley.
Tips
- The reserve features numerous unmarked tracks and fire trails providing access to Transcend power lines and other services within the area.
- Walkers should exercise caution to avoid getting lost, particularly as the reserve connects to Wellington Park, characterised by vast stretches of native bushland that can be isolated and subject to extreme weather conditions.
- Access to the Telecom Towers and any facilities at the summit is prohibited, with the area under CCTV surveillance by TasNetworks.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 672 m
Min elevation: 431 m
Total climbing: 447 m
Total descent: -447 m
For more information on this trail, visit Greater Hobart Trails
Getting there
Closest towns to this walk: Smithton, Stanley, Wynyard, Burnie, Devonport
From Glenorchy / Hobart: Travelling up Berridale Road, veer left onto Collinsvale Road. The trail head and parking is at the hairpin turn approximately 3.5 km from the Berridale – Collinsvale Road junction.
From Collinsvale: Travelling towards Glenorchy / Hobart, turn right at the Glenlusk – Collinsvale Road junction. The trail head and parking is at the hairpin turn approximately 400m downhill.
Photo gallery
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
About the region
The N.R. Pierce Reserve is a significant bushland reserve donated to the people of Glenorchy by the Pierce family in 1988 in memory of Norman R. Pierce. The reserve's 325+ hectares is contingent with Wellington Park, and contains a variety of threatened species and ecosystems.
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Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in N.R. Pierce Reserve or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.